Lessons from the Field with Stan Citron: Strategies to Help Students Become More Fluent English Speakers
2023-11-09 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
This webinar will examine how to teach students to speak more fluently (“Fluent English”). Stan will explain the “Fluent English” principles and provide tools to put these principles into practice. These tools are:

“Color Vowels” and syllable-stress to improve word pronunciation,
The Three Sounds of “Ed” exercises to help students use “-ed” verbs with confidence,
“Everyday English” exercises using reductions and sentence stress to speak more naturally,
Songs/speeches that allow students to put the Fluent English principles into practice,
“Listen and Imitate” exercises that allow students to practice mimicking the rhythm and sounds of Fluent English, and
A well-known learning app that can help students improve their accent and conversational skills.

In addition, Stan has developed a Fluent English Handbook and website with classroom-tested practical exercises that will be shared with webinar participants.
Register here.

VDOE 2023 Data Office Hours
2023-11-14 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-12-05 14:00 - 15:00

VALRC: Digital Literacy for Multilingual Learners Webinar Series, Session 3: Virtual Instruction for Beginning Multilingual Learners
2023-11-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
Do you facilitate online classes for learners who are just beginning to develop their English skills? How can you create language learning opportunities for learners using technology AND English for the first time?
This webinar is designed to provide effective and engaging strategies for English practice during online classes. Participants will discuss features of communications platforms, presentation software, specific apps and websites that can support language learning opportunities in the online classroom. They will collaborate to choose activities for different parts of a lesson plan.
This webinar is meant for online instructors of beginning level multilingual learners. They will receive resources for use with online classes including recommended Open Educational Resources (OER) from CrowdED Learning and Skillblox.
Objectives:

Understand basic features of communications platforms
Discuss presentation software, and a selection of apps and websites
Collaborate to create a an effective lesson plan for beginners supported by a variety of resources

Register Here

Teaching Writing: Giving Feedback
2023-11-15 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
How can instructors build learners’ confidence as writers while still providing constructive feedback? This webinar discusses when and how to provide feedback on learner writing.
Register here.

CAL’s 8 Fundamental Principles of Effective Adult English Language Instruction
2023-11-16 15:00 - 16:30
Unlock the power of effective adult language instruction!
Calling all passionate educators! Elevate your teaching skills and inspire your adult English learners with two FREE webinars exploring CAL’s Eight Fundamental Principles of Effective Adult Language Education.
Webinar 1: Principles 1–4 Date: November 9, 2023 Time: 3:00–3:45 PM
Delve into strategies for adult language instruction, covering learner-centeredness, leveraging learners’ assets, and incorporating all language modalities. Discover classroom and virtual activities to keep your learners motivated and boost their language proficiency.
Webinar 2: Principles 5–8 Date: November 16, 2023 Time: 3:00–3:45 PM Elevate your teaching with insights on comprehensible input, developing metacognitive awareness in learners, and creating a supportive learning environment. Equip yourself with a toolkit of techniques to create an inclusive, engaging, and immersive language learning experience.

Career Pathways Open Conversations
2023-11-27 12:00 - 13:30
Join us for important networking, updates, and sharing for career pathways planning and programming. This three-part open conversation series focuses on connecting career pathways practitioners with resources, colleagues, and policy updates to support the growth of their programming to connect learners to training, higher education, and careers. Come and learn what your colleagues are doing across the state and share your best and promising practices with us!
ALL adult education practitioners who are interested in learning more about planning and implementing career pathways programming, including integrated education and training (IET), PluggedInVA, workplace learning, etc., are welcome to attend! Please consider inviting multiple members of your teams to attend (e.g., instructors, data specialists, regional specialists, program managers, occupational training partners). All perspectives are welcome and are important to the conversation!
These conversations will occur on Mondays from 12p to 1:30p. We will record and archive the presentation portions of each session and will share notes from the breakout and whole-group discussions.
Fall dates are October 2, October 30, and November 27.
Register for one or all sessions with this link.

VALRC: Disabilities and the Adult Learner Webinar Series, Session 3: Making Content Accessible
2023-11-28 13:00 - 14:30
Creating accessible content can feel overwhelming at times, but it is important to remember that not everything has to be done at once. A scaffolded approach to learning and implementation can make the process more manageable. Even a few key changes can make a difference. In the beginning, the aim is not perfection, but improvement. This session covers some of the main accessibility barriers such as headers, images, and hyperlinks.
Register

VALRC: Multilevel ESOL Classes Webinar Series, Session 3
2023-11-30 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
Do you want to tackle the challenges of teaching multilevel ESOL classes? Are you looking to address the varied learning needs of individual students within one classroom and become an effective multi-level teacher?
This 3 part webinar series will present strategies for effective multi-level instruction and planning for ESOL classes or multi-level classrooms. We will discuss the characteristics of a multilevel class, planning for differentiated instruction and implementing different classroom management strategies for effective instruction. Participants will leave the webinar with an understanding of what multilevel classroom needs consist of, how to prepare and plan for individual students needs, and strategies for implementing differentiated instruction in the adult ESOL multi-level classroom. The resources will include articles, videos and supplemental materials.
Objectives:

Understand the factors of a multilevel classroom and how to identify the needs of all students.
Identify strategies to effectively differentiate instruction in both multi level classrooms as well as leveled ESOL classes while accommodating literacy learners and more advanced students.
Discuss next steps for implementation, including adaptation of materials and strategies with a specific group of learners.

Session 3 will focus on grouping strategies and building community.
Register Here

Literacy Minnesota: Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2023-12-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Online
Research shows that explicitly teaching a set of comprehension strategies is a great way to help intermediate-level readers maximize their understanding of texts. Come learn a handful of great comprehension tools that will help students develop critical thinking skills and comprehension skills.
Register here.

LINCS: Internationally-Trained Professionals: Workforce Challenges & Innovative Solutions for Integration
2023-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
If you work with highly skilled immigrants, you won’t want to miss this LINCS event. The presenter will provide an overview of the unique challenges internationally-trained professionals face integrating into the U.S. workforce. You will hear about a variety of innovative programs working to support the integration of internationally-trained professionals into the U.S workforce.
Register here.

LACES Demo Webinars
2023-12-05 15:00 - 16:30, 2024-01-09 15:00 - 16:30
As part of the statewide transition from SSWS to LACES by LiteracyPro for our adult education data management system, Shannon Stangis will be providing webinars at the days and times below to preview some of the features and functionality of the new system. All are welcome to join the webinars which will be recorded and archived. We hope you can join!

The Zoom link may be used to join both sessions – there is no registration form.

Save these dates:

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 3 pm EST

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 3 pm EST

ATLAS: Cultivating Mathematical Literacy for English Language Learners
2023-12-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Online
Wait, I’m not a math teacher! I want to incorporate numeracy into my ESL classroom, but where do I even start?! How do I effectively address literacy and numeracy at the same time? Join Cindy Schultz and Meagan Hymes as they offer insights into these very real questions. You will get to see and experience routines that they have used with their ESL students in addition to hearing an administrator perspective on the hows and whys of supporting numeracy in language classrooms.
Register here.

LINCS: The Never-Fail Writing Method
2023-12-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Are you looking for a way to teach writing that never fails? Join the LINCS Reading and Writing Community for this event to learn more about the Never Fail Writing Method! During this engaging event you will hear from our guest, the legendary adult educator Kate Nonesuch, about how she teaches appreciative writing feedback to her students and how they use what they learn to give positive feedback to others.
Register here.

COABE: Helping Your Students Identify, Develop, and Utilize Their (not so) Soft Skills
2023-12-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Adult education students have strong transferable skills (aka, soft skills). They just don’t know it yet! Leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills are being cultivated daily by hard-working adult learners. Employers value and seek these crucial competencies. In this webinar, we’ll share powerful student-written stories and classroom activities that demonstrate simple ways to teach basic skills in a way that enables students to identify and amplify the transferable skills essential for employability. Presented by Cynthia Peters and Jen Denton.
Register here.

LINCS: Creating Accessible and Inclusive Learning Coffee Break: Reflections & Looking Ahead to 2024
2023-12-08 13:15 - 14:15 | Online
As we prepare to wind down 2024, join the LINCS Learners with Disabilities Community to reflect upon your work to serve all learners in your program. What worked well and what could be improved upon as you move into 2024? Come to hear from others about their successes and challenges and share your own. Let’s share our resources to make 2024 even more accessible for adult learners!
Register here.

Literacy Minnesota: Racial Equity 201 with Jimmie Heags
2023-12-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Online
Please note, it is recommended that you take any basic diversity, equity and inclusion class or training before you take this session, but it is not required.
This class will define and explore the origins of the white supremacy class and caste systems in the United States and the racial trauma caused as a result of these systems. The session will provide learners with a mental model for understanding and disrupting white supremacy classism and its impact on mental health. Participants will be introduced to mindfulness activities discussed in Resmaa Menakem’s book My Grandmother’s Hands for processing internalized racial embodied reflexes and trauma.
Register here.

LINCS: Elevating Learning with Infographics
2023-12-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
In today’s information-rich world, effective communication of complex ideas is vital. Join the LINCS Science Community and discover the power of infographics as we explore crafting engaging and easily digestible visuals to convey educational concepts and learning outcomes. Explore examples and create your own infographics with us.
Register here.

GEDTS: Mobile GED Testing: Expand the Reach of the Exam
2023-12-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Every state has regions that could use better access to GED testing. Want to increase opportunities to test but have a fixed testing center? One solution might be to set up Mobile Testing.
Tune into this session to learn all the details of how Mobile Testing works, how to put together a Mobile site, and how to address common questions and concerns.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

*Please note that this is a GEDTS offering and not a VALRC offering. We are unable to assist in registration or to provide archives of the event.

LINCS: Partnering with Programs to Improve Student Outcomes in Rural America
2023-12-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Are you interested to learn more about reaching rural students? Join the Professional Development LINCS Group and guest presenter Lori Looney of Partners for Rural Impact to deepen your understanding of the unique needs of rural students. Learn about grant-funded initiatives in rural America that intersect with adult education and explore innovative opportunities for adult education services in rural areas of the United States.
Register here.

EdTech Center @ World Education: EdTech Strategy Sessions: ChatGPT for ESOL
2023-12-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
During the December Strategy Session, hear two lightning talks highlighting the practical ways adult educators are finding use for generative AI in the classroom. Yeonjai Rah has uncovered a variety of uses for ChatGPT in her ESOL class, including strategies that help learners build AI awareness with language skills. When Shawn Chattin saw the disruption caused by generative AI in his work with international students, he decided to focus on a more localized approach. In his new role at Literacy Pittsburgh, he’s using GAI tools to leverage stories that draw from the local community and learners to promote language learning. Join the EdTech Center to hear their insights from 1-2:00 and don’t forget both speakers will be available in a breakout room from 2-2:30 to answer your questions and continue the conversation. You don’t want to miss this!
Register here.

Literacy Minnesota: Reading Activities for Beginning Literacy and Beginning English Language Learners
2023-12-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
Teaching and tutoring very beginning level ESL readers can be intimidating for volunteers and professional teachers alike. Attend this webinar to get practical activities and ideas for one-on-one, remote and in-person instruction with tech and no-tech options. Leave feeling ready to provide your learners with meaningful and effective reading activities.
Register here.

LINCS: Walking the Walk, and Talking the Talk: One State's Work to Put DEI in Action
2023-12-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the topics of conversation in many organizations, but how do you go beyond words to action? During this session, we will be joined by Evonne Peters, Director, and Karen Greaves, Instruction and PD Specialist of Massachusetts’ SABES ELA Curriculum, and Instruction PD Center, as they share how their organization demonstrates its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in adult education.
Register here.

LINCS: What can ABE Math Instructors Learn from Each Other?
2023-12-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance adult education practices in math and numeracy by joining the LINCS community for this exciting event. We will discuss the research from a dissertation study conducted in Fall 2023, where 38 Adult Basic Education (ABE) Math and Numeracy Instructors were interviewed about their math identity. We will share lessons learned from these interviews to include valuable insights into the experiences, perspectives, and challenges ABE Math and Numeracy Instructors face. This event will foster a sense of community and collaboration among math and numeracy practitioners, allowing them to learn from each other’s experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss best practices for promoting a positive math identity among adult learners.
Register here.

COABE: How to Utilize Paid and Free Resources to Boost Student Enrollment in your Local Program
2023-12-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Do you have $1,000 to spend on recruiting new students to your program? Do you have no money at all? Come learn both free and paid ways to boost the number of students you have in your program. Hear what the Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education did as a state, and what several local programs did with limited funding. Print, TV, mail, digital marketing, and social media will be discussed. Presented by Dr. Anthony Mangiafico and Kristin Hempel.

ProLiteracy: Starting from Scratch: Working with Low-level ELL Students with Little-to-no First Language Literacy
2024-01-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Research has shown that one of the primary indicators of how quickly an adult will learn a new language is their educational level in their first language. Those with high literacy levels in their first language will almost universallyoutperform their peers with lower levels of education. Working with preliterate adults presents unique challenges for English language educators. Join the webinar for proven strategies and activities based on academic research and observation to help educators working with preliterate adults learning to speak, read, and write in English. In addition, learn about the causes of low L1 literacy and how this impacts L2 acquisition.
Register
This webinar is part of the ProLiteracy Teacher Training Plus Series

VDOE 2024 Data Office Hours
2024-01-09 14:00 - 15:00

VALRC: Lessons from the Field with Ed Sadler: Teaching Digital Literacy to Immigrants
2024-01-18 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
The Blue Ridge Literacy organization provides many services to its learners. One among them is delivering comprehensive digital literacy instruction, which encompasses basic computer operation, internet basics, using email, and basic Windows operating system use. Digital literacy class instruction is instructor-led and provided in person. The primary audience and participants are immigrants who desire to learn computer skills while, in many cases, concurrently learning English. All of the lessons are taken from our Northstar Digital Literacy partner-provided syllabus and presented and applied in every class.
In this webinar, Ed Sadler will share how Blue Ridge Literacy’s digital literacy classes are structured and how they have been successful, even when working with learners who often arrive with limited English proficiency and no past experience using computers. He will focus on the unique manner in which the digital literacy material is presented and demonstrated to help learners understand the concepts.
Register here.

ProLiteracy: Back To Basics: Using Phonics to Improve Reading and Engagement Regardless of Students’ Reading Level
2024-01-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Alphabetics is the first of the four components of reading, yet phonics in the classroom is easily overlooked because we assume students know their letter sounds. Join us for a basic review of phonics and syllables and how to include these foundational skills in an ABE classroom in a way that is applicable to all levels of readers, engaging, and meets the standards.
Register
This webinar is part of the ProLiteracy Teacher Training Plus Series
